Coast redwood tree with periclinal chimeric albinism named &#34;Grand Mosaic&#39;

ABSTRACT

‘Grand Mosaic’ is a new and distinct variety of albino coast redwood tree characterized by a non-grafted periclinal chimera exhibiting stable albino growth from inside the apical meristem dome. The new variety contains latent axillary and/or accessory buds forming within the internode of primary branches exhibiting phenotypic color expressions ranging from green, albino, chimera or non-chimeric variegation. Latent axillary and/or accessory buds frequently form in the branch collar zone of primary branches and can produce color expressions ranging from green, albino, chimera or non-chimeric variegation. Further, the branches demonstrate horizontal to drooping-like habit and moderate-to-fast growth depending on the amount of albinism compared to other common green redwoods.

Latin name of the genus and species of the tree claimed: The CoastRedwood tree variety of this invention is botanically identified asSequoia sempervirens.

Variety denomination: The variety denomination is ‘Grand Mosaic’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct tree variety ofSequoia sempervirens, more commonly known as Coast Redwood tree, havingnaturally-occurring chimeric characteristics resulting in albinismvegetation.

Specifically, ‘Grand Mosaic’ is a periclinal chimera exhibiting stablealbino growth inside the apical meristem dome. The albinism emerges moreprominently beginning in the second year of growth. Tests conducted bythe first-named inventor reveal that the present invention has asurvival tolerance with up to 65 percent albinism. The buds of thepresent invention contain several forms of naturally-occurring chimera,including: periclinal, mericlinal, and sectorial. The branchesdemonstrate color variation, including: green, albino, and chimeric, andnon-chimeric variegation; and exhibit a horizontal-to-moderate droopinggrowth habit. The needles are dense, broad, and singularly arranged witha slightly concave tip pattern. Additionally, under the rightconditions, the present invention yields moderate propagation levels viastem and leaf cuttings.

The new variety originated as a result of an ongoing breeding program inSanta Cruz, Calif. The seedling of the present invention was grown froma controlled cross conducted in 1976 where an unnamed, unpatented albinoSequoia sempervirens providing the male pollen and the conelets of anunnamed, unpatented green Sequoia sempervirens were pollinated. Afterrepeated experimental propagation efforts, asexually-reproduced leaf andstem cuttings took root in a greenhouse laboratory setting in Volcano,Calif. between the years of 2012- 2015. These cuttings yielded thestable periclinal chimeric albinism growth characteristic of the presentinvention.

Coast redwood trees (herein referred to as “redwood”) are well known inthe industry for their disease and insect resistance, fast growth habit,fire tolerance, and for supporting wildlife habitat. Redwoods are alsonoted for their height and longevity. These characteristics have led toan increase of the use of this plant as an ornamental feature inlandscaped gardens and re-forestation projects. Congruent with similarCoast Redwoods, the present invention is anticipated to reach a heightof 18 to 36 meters, maintain tree form, and have a lifespan capacity of200 to 1000 years.

Albinism in redwoods is a genetic mutation presenting as chlorophylldeficit in the plant's needles and stems. As chlorophyll is instrumentalto glucose production and storage, albinism prevents a plant fromproviding food for itself; therefore, survival of albino growth isdepended upon parasitic-type growth on the non-albino portions of theredwood. Albino redwoods in the wild are typically found in two forms:aerial and basal. Aerial albinos consist of a mutated branch were thefoliage grows white or yellow. Basal albinos consist of entirely whiteor cream colored basal sprouts growing off an otherwise healthy greenredwood. A chimeric redwood is a single plant organism with two or moredifferent genotypes originating from the same bud or meristem. Thenormal green genotype acts as a surrogate to support the growth andsurvival of the albino mutation. It is not a symbiotic relationshipbetween two separate plants. Further, due to this dependency and lack ofchlorophyll, pure albino redwoods are unable to be reproducedvegetatively.

White color variation is subject to environmental conditions,particularly light exposure. For example, when grown in direct sunlightconditions, albino redwoods may turn ivory, cream, or light yellow incolor. In contrast, when growing under the canopy of surrounding treebranches, albino redwoods are white in color. Excessive heat and lowhumidity may also result in die-back of the albino portions of theredwood. Additionally, the variation and distribution of whitecoloration is influenced by the phenotypic expression of three differenttypes of chimeric growth: periclinal, sectorial, and mericlinal.

Chimerism in plants is typically achieved artificially through graftingand controlled gamma ray irradiation of seeds. One example of a graftedchimera plant is the thornless rose. A second example of irradiatedseeds producing chimeric growth is the African violet plant. The presentinvention, in contrast, is a naturally-occurring chimeric mutationobserved through variegated apical stems.

DEFINITIONS

In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of thespecification, the following definitions are provided:

A Zone. “A Zone” refers to a primary branch originating from a terminalbud. Coloration in the A Zone is predominantly green, but can range fromrange from albino, chimera, and non-chimeric variegation.

Albino. “Albino” refers to a white color variation ranging from ivorywhite to pale, yellow-green white, and is a result of a genetic mutationinhibiting chlorophyll production.

B Zone. “B Zone” refers to secondary branches developing from axillaryand accessory buds from present or empty leaf axils with no primarybranch present. They are commonly found between the internode of twoprimary branches. Coloration in the B Zone can range from albino,chimera, non-chimeric variegation, and less frequently green.

C Zone. “C Zone” refers to secondary branches developing from axillaryand accessory buds in the region of the primary branch's axil or branchcollar. Coloration in the C Zone can range from range from albino,chimera, non-chimeric variegation, and green.

Chimera. “Chimera” refers to the existence of more than one genotypepresent in one plant originating from the same bud or meristem. Thechimeric phenotype is separated into three different categories based onthe location and relative proportion of mutated to non-mutated cells inthe apical meristem. These categories are mericlinal, periclinal, andsectorial.

Chimeric variegation. “Chimeric variegation” refers to a pronounceddelineation of color with both green and white pigment in the meristems,branches, and needles.

Mericlinal chimera. “Mericlinal chimera” refers to a phenotypicexpression in which only a small portion of the plant structure (stems,branches, and leaves) demonstrates chimeric albinism. This type ofchimera is known in the industry to be unstable.

Non-chimeric variegation. “Non-chimeric variegation” refers to a partiallack of chlorophyll (and therefore green pigment) in plant cells andtissues where it is normally expected to be present. The pattern ofvariegation is unorganized and is differentiated at the cellular levelbetween green and white. The variegation expression is mosaic inappearance.

Periclinal chimerism. “Periclinal chimerism” refers to a stable chimericvariegated mutation expressing albinism across the meristem dome. Thisleads to subsequent cell division of mutated and non-mutated cellswithin the meristem giving rise to a stable continuation of growth forboth genotypes.

Primary. “Primary” as used in this application refers to branches andbuds forming initially from the meristem with no rest period. Primarybranches and buds develop within the “A Zone”.

Secondary. “Secondary” as used in this application refers to branchesand buds forming after a rest period and are latent in nature. Theydevelop from axillary and accessory buds after Primary branchdevelopment. Secondary branches and buds are found both in “B and CZones”.

Sectorial chimera. “Sectorial chimera” refers to growth where mutatedcells affect large sections of the apical meristem. Mutated tissue canextend through all cell layers within the meristematic tissue. Thedelineation line between both genotypes is usually vertical inarrangement through the meristem and between stomata bands in theleaves. This type of chimerism is known in the industry to be unstable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits represent the characteristics of the new redwoodtree variety ‘Grand Mosaic’. These traits in combination distinguishthis variety from all other commercial varieties known to the inventors.

-   -   1. A non-grafted, periclinal chimera exhibiting stable albino        growth from inside the apical meristem dome;    -   2. Terminal buds exhibiting phenotypic color expressions of        green, albino, chimera or non-chimeric variegation with varying        hues within these color expressions.    -   3. Latent, axillary and/or accessory buds forming between the        internode of primary branches, branch axils, and within the        branch collar zone. These buds exhibit phenotypic color        expressions of green, albino, chimera or non-chimeric        variegation with varying hues within these color expressions.        Frequently, axillary and/or accessory buds form in the absence        of an existing branch, whether it's primary or secondary in        nature.    -   4. Branches with habit of horizontal to drooping-like habit.    -   5. Moderate-to-fast growth depending on the amount of albinism        compared to other common green redwoods.

The initial cross taking place in 1976 under the direction of thesecond-named inventor, combined the premature cones on the green redwood(Parent Two) with pollen collected from the albino redwood (Parent One).The conelets were then sealed with a plastic bag to prevent openpollination. Redwood seeds take a year to mature, so in late 1977, ofthe thousands of seeds present, 360 were randomly selected from the ripecones. Within a couple of weeks, several tiny stems and cotyledonsemerged displaying differences in coloration. The present invention isderived from one of the 161 surviving seedlings of this experiment.Further background on the original cross are detailed in the bookentitled The White Redwoods: Ghosts of the Forest (Davis, D. &Holderman, D. 1980, Naturegraph Publishers. California. Pages 33-36).

At the time of application filing, the invention demonstrates amoderate-to-fast tree-like growth habit. It is approximately 2.48 m tallwith a flat top and a stem nearly 3.12 cm in diameter. The limb spreadis about 1.5 m in diameter. Sections exhibiting periclinal chimera andgreen foliage appear more dense then it's sibling ‘Mosaic Delight’ (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 26,573, hereinafter ‘Mosaic Delight’). Forty-five percentof the present invention's branches exhibit periclinal chimeric growthwith albino axillary bud growth. Propagated cuttings from the presentinvention already exhibit a faster growth rate than ‘Mosaic Delight’. Adetermination of growth rate for the cuttings is correlated withalbinism. For example, when trees exhibit ratio of 0 to 25% albinofoliage to green, they exhibit moderate to fast growth. With a ratio of25 to 60% albino foliage to green, trees have a more moderate to slowgrowth rate. This expression reflects the impact of lower glucose levelsin trees with high albinism and the effect on growth rate.

Past experimental propagation of the present invention underwent severalpropagation efforts and experienced several challenges in producingvigorous, stable specimens. Finally, the present invention has beensuccessfully and repeatedly propagated asexually in a controlled nurseryenvironment through vegetative, leaf and stem cuttings under thedirection of the first named inventor. The first viable propagationeffort was conducted in the Spring of 2012 after the first-namedinventor selected two hardwood cuttings taken from the presentinvention. The cuttings were transported to a greenhouse located inVolcano, Calif. The cuttings were divided into stem cuttings and dippedinto a rooting solution consisting of 2500 PPM of IBA for approximately10 seconds. Following this step, the stem and leaf cuttings were plantedin gallon-sized pots and treated with a fungicide product. Between theFall of 2012 through the Winter of 2012-2013, the cuttings were mistedand given water at regular intervals. The cuttings were also providedsupplemental lighting 24 hours a day. By the end of August of 2014(third year), the cuttings demonstrated a sharp increased albino growthfrom axillary and/or accessory buds forming within the internode ofprimary green branches and within the branch collar zone of primarygreen branches. The second propagation effort was conducted in Winter of2013 when the first-named inventor selected 32 hardwood cuttings off thepresent invention. The cuttings were transported to the same greenhouselocated in Volcano, Calif. and propagated under the same environmentalconditions and protocol procedures carried out in Spring 2012. By theSpring of 2016 (beginning the fourth year), the 10 surviving cuttingsdemonstrated increased albino growth from axillary and/or accessory budsforming within the internode of primary green branches and within thebranch collar zone of green branches. Based on the results between the2012 propagation group and the 2013 propagation group, the inventionshows better rooting results with hardwood cutting propagation takenfrom summer growth rather than winter growth.

The cuttings of the present invention, ‘Grand Mosaic’, have demonstratethat the combination of characteristics disclosed are stable and firmlyfixed, and are retained true-to-type through the periclinal chimeragenotypes. It is important to note that the invention can exhibitmericlinal and sectorial growth through the periclinal phenotype andtherefore this growth is claimed within this invention. It is known inthe literature that periclinal chimerism in plants is considered stableand as such, is readily available in commercial markets (Lineberger, R.No date. Origin, Development, and Propagation of Chimeras. Texas A&MUniversity. Retrieved fromhttp://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/tisscult/chimeras/chimeralec/chimeras.htmlon Jan. 20, 2014).

During propagation experimentation, one cutting was selected for afertilizer test and the conclusion of the test elucidates that a slowrelease fertilizer works best with ‘Grand Mosaic’ and quick releasefertilizers should be avoided.

Propagation experiments reveal that coloration and growth rates willvary somewhat between cuttings depending on whether the cutting is takenfrom the stem or the leaf. Table 1 illustrates the variations of the twooriginal cuttings taken from the 2012 group and four cuttings taken fromthe 2013 group. Data was collected in the Fall of 2014, (as documentedin Line One for Cutting Number 1) Spring 2015, (as documented in LineTwo for Cutting Number 1 and Line One for Cutting Number 2), earlyWinter of 2016, (as documented in Line Three for Cutting Number 1, LineTwo for Cutting Number 2, and Line One for Cuttings Number 3 throughNumber 6), and Summer of 2016, (documented in Line Four for CuttingNumber 1, Line Three for Cutting Number 2, and Line Two for CuttingsNumber 3 through Number 6).

TABLE 1 COLORATION AND GROWTH RATE COMPARISON Tree canopy New Axillarywith terminal Number of vertical Growth bud or lateral bud variegatedCutting Age Type of Height growth (duration in albinism albinismsecondary propagated measured Cutting Cutting (cm) (cm) (months (%) (%)buds (year) (months) #1 stem  25.4 136.6 12-40  5%  0% 12 2012 40 months#1 stem 205   43  40-47 30%  2% No Data 2012 47 months #1 stem 209   447-55 45%  5% 31 2012 55 months #1 stem 248.9  39.9 55-63 45%  5% 932012 63 months #2 stem  20.3  38.1 12-49  5%  0% No data 2012 47 months#2 stem  97.8  39.4 49-55 20%  0% No data 2012 55 months #2 stem 143.5 45.7 55-63 22%  6% 22 2012 63 months #3 stem  20.3  83.2 12-43 10%  0%No data 2013 31 months #3 stem 144.8  41.2 43-51 20%  9% 11 2013 39months #4 leaf  33.0  73.7 12-43  1%  0% No data 2013 31 months #4 leaf182.9  76.2 43-51  1%  0%  3 2013 39 months #5 leaf  31.7  80.0 12-43 0%  1% No data 2013 31 months #5 leaf 143.5  31.8 43-51  1%  2%  1 201339 months #6 stem  17.7  43.2 12-43 10%  0% No data 2013 31 months #6stem  97.8  36.9 43-51 20% 10%  5 2013 39 months

It is known in the literature that conifers (redwoods) may experiencedelayed axillary bud emergence from the meristem (for example, see Fink,S. 1984. Some Cases of Delayed or Induced Development of Axillary BudsFrom Persisting Detached Meristems in Conifers. Amer. J. Bot. 71(1)Pages 44-51). This natural delay has been observed in the presentinvention, wherein latent white terminal, axillary, and accessory budsemerged from established green branches at least 2 to 4 years after theinitial meristem growth even though the cuttings were grown under thesame conditions. For example, between the age of forty and forty-sevenmonths, Cutting Number 1 increased its albinism from 5 percent to 30percent, Cutting Number 2, between forty-seven and fifty five months,accelerated its primary green growth and increased its albinism from 5percent to 20 percent. Another example is Cutting Number 5 from the 2013group, which didn't start showing variegation until the 39^(th) month.The delayed development of the albino genotype within ‘Grand Mosaic’allows better establishment and stronger primary growth from the greengenotype. The delayed albinism emergence suggests why the inventionholds a better tree form than sibling ‘Mosaic Delight’. It is importantto note the very low percentage of primary buds originating from (Azone) producing “visible” chimeric albinism. This demonstrates traits ofgenotypic stability where the invention favors a “primary” green growthhabit in contrast to a “secondary” chimeric growth habit. Thisarrangement lends itself to the green genotype predominately developinga strong green leader which further promotes vertical growth within theinvention. Based on the observed data, stem cuttings become betterestablished and display variegation earlier than leaf cuttings. Note:the data relects only 4.0 cm of vertical growth between the 47^(th) and55^(th) month due to the removal of 30.5 cm of the apical meristem forpropagation purposes.

Plant Breeder's Rights for this variety have not been applied for and‘Grand Mosaic’ has not been offered for sale more than a year before thefiling date of this application, nor has it been offered for sale underanother variety name. Since the original cross, cuttings of ‘GrandMosaic’ have undergone experimental use to solve prior propagationchallenges and the present invention has not been publicly availableduring this time.

Plants of the present invention have not been observed under allpossible environmental and cultural conditions. The phenotype may varysomewhat with variations in environmental conditions without, however,any variance in genotypes. For example, phenotypic expression may varysomewhat with fluctuations in temperature, light intensity and soilchemistry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying colored photographs illustrate the overall appearanceof the new and distinct albino redwood tree with periclinal chimerismshowing the colors as true as it is reasonably possible to obtain incolored reproductions of conventional photography. The photographs weretaken in a greenhouse setting under defused, natural lighting. Twotypical specimens (Stem Cutting Numbers 1 and 2) of the presentinvention are included to demonstrate color variation on the leaves andstems produced by the chimeric and non-chimeric genotypes.

FIG. 1 (taken Oct. 20, 2014 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 40 months-old)demonstrates approximately 5% variegation. This illustrates the latencyof the chimeric albino growth characteristic of ‘Grand Mosaic’ in thefirst few years of growth. Its typical with this new variety to have amajority of the green genotype emerge first in primary growth.

FIG. 2 (taken May 13, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 47 months-old)demonstrates a marked increase of chimeric albino growth. At this stageof growth, the invention exhibits approximately 30% chimeric albinofoliage. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the invention's isseen in its apical dominance. This photograph also demonstrates theinvention's horizontal to drooping-like growth habit.

FIG. 3 (taken May 26, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 47 months-old) isa close-up image demonstrating the periclinal chimeric albinismoriginating from the apical meristem dome and displaying axillary and/oraccessory buds forming within the internode of established greenbranches. These buds form in empty leaf axils along the main stembetween the internode of established primary green branches of theinvention. There are also axillary and/or accessory buds exhibitingpericlinal chimeric albinism in and around the branch collar zones ofprimary and secondary branches exhibiting green and white variegation.

FIG. 3a (taken May 26, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 47 months-old)is similar to FIG. 3 except that Zones A are labeled with the number 1to demonstrate the arrangement of the primary and secondary branches ofall zones.

FIG. 3b (taken May 26, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 47 months-old)is similar to FIG. 3 except that Zones B are labeled with the number 2to demonstrate the arrangement of the primary and secondary branches ofall zones.

FIG. 3c (taken May 26, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 47 months-old)is similar to FIG. 3 except that Zones C are labeled with the number 3to demonstrate the arrangement of the primary and secondary branches ofall zones.

FIG. 4 (taken Apr. 15, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 46 months-old)demonstrates chimeric albino expression on secondary branches arisingfrom an internode's B Zone.

FIG. 5 (taken Oct. 17, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 2 at 52 months-old)demonstrates chimeric albino expression on secondary branches arisingfrom the branch collar's C Zone.

FIG. 6 (taken May 15, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 47 months-old)demonstrates a three-month-old branch exhibiting periclinal chimericalbinism originating from new lateral buds. Note the absence of chimericaxillary or accessory bud growth at this stage.

FIG. 7 (taken Jan. 11, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 43 months-old)demonstrates the broad needles and light green coloration.

FIG. 8 (taken Jan. 11, 2015 of Stem Cutting Number 1 at 43 months-old)shown with direct view of the branchlet, exhibits a large horizontalneedle pattern.

FIG. 9 (taken Jan. 11, 2015 of sibling ‘Mosaic Delight’), presented as acomparison variety, demonstrates an open needle arrangement on thebranchlets. Needles exhibit a more narrow and wiry appearance comparedto the present invention.

FIG. 10 (taken Jan. 11, 2015 of sibling ‘Mosaic Delight’), presented asa comparison variety, demonstrates the upturned “V” needle pattern seenon a direct view of the branchlet.

FIG. 11 (taken Jan. 11, 2015 of sibling ‘Early Snow’ (U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/530,139; hereinafter ‘Early Snow’)), presentedas a comparison variety, exhibits sub-branchlets that taper to a pointon primary branches. Needles on this variety tend to overlap on thebranchlet leaving fewer gaps between needles compared to siblings‘Mosaic Delight’ and the present invention.

FIG. 12 (taken Jan. 11, 2015 of sibling ‘Early Snow’), presented as acomparison variety, is shown with a direct view of the branchletexhibiting a concave down needle pattern.

FIG. 13 (taken in taken in 2014), presented as a comparison variety, isof a redwood with chimeric albinism bred by the first named inventor.This variety named ‘Christmas Tree’ exhibits predominantly whitecoloration on primary branches while the secondary branches areexpressed mostly in the normal green genotype.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety‘Grand Mosaic’. Data was collected from Stem Cutting Number 1 at 52months-old in the Fall of 2015; presently growing in a greenhouse inVolcano, Calif. The growing conditions approximate those generally usedin commercial practice. Color readings were observed indoors withnatural lighting diffused through greenhouse panes. The colordeterminations are in accordance with the Fifth Edition (2007) of TheRoyal Horticultural Society Colour Chart published by The RoyalHorticultural Society (London, England), except where general colorterms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. Chimeric andnon-chimeric expression among the propagated trees leads to a variationin color and, therefore, a color's hue, saturation, or intensity isgenerally depicted in the R.H.S. colour charts through the follow colorgroups and ranges: RHS 4C-D, 8D (yellow group), 128A-149D (green group),and 155A-D, NN155-159D, 157A-158D, 189A-196D (grey group). Variegatedcolor descriptions include both chimeric and non-chimeric expression.

TABLE 2 VARIETY DESCRIPTION Classification: Family: CupressaceaeBotanical: Sequoia sempervirens Common: Coast redwwod tree Parentage:Parent One: Unnamed Albino Sequoia sempervirens (neither patented, norcommercially available) Parent Two: Unconfirmed variety of Green Sequoiasempervirens (however, it is most likely that Parent Two is neitherpatented, nor commercially available) Propagation: Vegetative via leafand stem cuttings Plant: Ploidy: Hexaploid Height, unpruned (m): 209.4cm (measured at 48 months); potential mature height of 18 to 40 m Vigor:Strong Shape: Pyramidal Growth rate: Moderate-to-fast depending onalbinism present Growth habit: Horizontal to pendulous Canopy width (m):168.3 cm Canopy height (m): 209.4 cm Crown shape: Pyramidal

-   Trunk and branchlets:    -   -   Trunk texture.—Smooth as cuttings, emerging to fibrous at            approximately four years.        -   Trunk diameter (cm).—2.0 cm taken at 2.0 cm above the            ground.        -   Bark color (of a 2 to 3-year-old tree).—RHS 165A and 200D;            with a range of 164A-N167D, 173A-178D, and 200A-D.        -   Branchlet length (m).—97.2 cm measured from stem.        -   Branchlet texture.—Smooth and waxy.        -   Branchlet color.—Variation due to chimeric expression,            including: green, white, chimeric, or non-chimeric            variegated New growth, green branchlet: RHS 144A and C            (green group), with a range of 138A-139D, and 143A-D (green            group) Old growth, green branchlet: RHS 137B, (green group),            with a range of RHS 137A-N137D (green group) New growth,            albino branchlet: RHS 4D and 8D, (yellow group) with a range            of 4C and 8C (yellow group), and a range of 158C-D (grey            group) Old growth albino branchlet: RHS 4D and 8D, (yellow            group), with a range of 4C and 8C (yellow group), and a            range of 158C-D (grey group) Variegated branchlet: Ranging            from RHS 4D and 8D (yellow group) to RHS 128A-149D (green            group) to RHS 155A-D, NN155-159D, 157A-158D, and 189A-196D            (grey group).        -   Branchlet arrangement.—Alternate.        -   Crotch angle from main trunk.—Green branches: Horizontal            range from 30° to 0° and dropping range from 360° to            300°Albino, chimeric, or non-chimeric variegated branches:            Approximately 315° to 40°.        -   Meristematic bud.—a. Shape: Scaly b. Color: Apical meristem:            Chimeric Lateral buds, axillary and/or accessory buds            forming in and around the branch collar zone exhibiting            phenotypic color expressions ranging from green, albino,            chimera or non-chimeric variegation Green bud: RHS 144A,            with a range of RHS 138A-D, 143A-D, and 144A-C (green group)            White bud: RHS 4D and 8D (yellow group), with a range of RHS            4C and 8C (yellow group), and 158C-D (grey group) Variegated            bud: Range of RHS 4C-D to 8D (yellow group) and a range of            RHS 128A-149D (green group) and a range of 155A-D,            NN155-159D, 157A-158D, and 189A-196D (grey group) c.            Bud-union characteristics: Axillary.-   Burl: None observed.-   Scion:    -   -   Circumference (leaf cuttings).—3.5 cm.        -   Height at which measurement taken.—17.8 cm at time of            planting and 248.9 cm for stem cuttings.        -   Suckering.—None observed.-   Leaves:    -   -   Arrangement.—Flat needles in alternating patterns.        -   Texture.—Glabrous (smooth).        -   Type.—Simple.        -   Shape.—Needle-like Needle tip shape: Acute or acuminate.        -   Cross section.—Concave 1.0 mm.        -   Leaf needle length (mm).—1.0 to 3.5 cm.        -   Leaf needle width (mm).—0.5 to 1.0 cm.        -   Surface.—a. Upper surface texture: Glabrous (smooth,            waxy) b. Surface color (upper and lower): Green, white,            chimeric, or non-chimeric variegated-specifically: New            growth, green needle (upper surface): RHS 144A and C (green            group), with a range of 138A-139D and 143A-D (green group)            New growth, green needle (lower surface): RHS 143C (green            group), with a range of 138A- 139-D, 143A-D (green group),            and range of 191A-B (grey group) Old growth, green needle            (upper surface): RHS N137B (green group), with a range of            137A- N137D (green group) Old growth, green needle (lower            surface): RHS 191A (grey group), with a range of 138A-139D            (green group) and range of 191A-C (grey group) New growth,            albino needle (upper surface): RHS 4D and 8D (yellow group),            with a range of 4C and 8C (yellow group), and range of            158C-D (grey group) New growth, albino needle (lower            surface): RHS 4D and 8D (yellow group), with a range of 4C            and 8C (yellow group), and range of 158C-D (grey group) Old            growth, albino needle (upper surface): RHS 4D and 8D (yellow            group), with a range of 4C and 8C (yellow group), and range            of 158C-D (grey group) Old growth, albino needle (lower            surface): RHS 4D and 8D (yellow group), with a range of 4C            and 8C (yellow group) and range of 158C-D (grey group)            Variegated needles in all locations: RHS 4C-D and 8D (yellow            group), RHS 128A-149D (green group), and RHS 155A-D,            NN155-159D, 157A-158D, and 189A-196D (grey group) c. Stomata            band(s) on lower needle: Present, 2 bands.        -   Petiole.—a. Shape: Oval and scale-like b. Color: Green,            white, chimeric, or non-chimeric variegated, specifically:            New growth, green petiole: RHS 144A and C (green group),            with a range of 138A-139D, and 143A-D (green group) Old            growth, green petiole: RHS 137B (green group) with a range            of 137A-N137D (green group) New growth, albino petiole: RHS            4D and 8D (yellow group), with a range of 4C and 8C (yellow            group), and range of 158C-D (grey group) Old growth, albino            petiole: RHS 4D and 8D (yellow group), with a range of 4C            and 8C (yellow group), and range of 158C-D (grey group)            Variegated petiole: A range between RHS 4C-D and 8D (yellow            group) and RHS 128-149 (green group) and a range of 155A-D,            NN155-159D, 157A-158D, and 189A-196D (grey group) c. Thorns            (spines): Absent d. Length (average): 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm (leaf            lamina narrows down proximally).-   Cones: None observed.-   Flowers: None observed.-   Reproductive organs: None observed.-   Best mode growing conditions:    -   -   Soil conditions.—Deep, well-drained loam and clay-loam soil.        -   Water use/drought tolerance.—Require regular watering when            young; however, once established, trees are mildly drought            tolerant with optimal growing conditions including an annual            rainfall exceeding 102 cm per year.        -   Temperature.—Best grown in cool climates ranging from 50° F.            to 80° F. with frost-free winters.        -   Fertilization.—a. Propagation: Potting soil with slow            release fertilizer.        -   Maintenance.—Slow release fertilizer.-   Resistance to disease: Low susceptibility to disease due to tannin    content; however, may be subject to Botryosphaeria sp. canker if    under stress conditions (for example, drought).

COMPARISON TO SIMILAR VARIETIES

Parent One is a non-chimeric variegated albino Sequoia sempervirensdemonstrating ninety-five percent albinism with approximately fivepercent non-chimeric variegation on the new growth and a hedge-bush-likegrowth habit. Unlike Parent One, ‘Grand Mosaic’ displays both chimericand non-chimeric variegated growth. Specifically, ‘Grand Mosaic’demonstrates stable green and chimeric albino growth from inside theapical meristem with albino to mosaic variegation displayed on terminal,lateral, adventitious, axillary, and accessory buds. These buds formbetween the internode of established green branches, inside present orempty branch axils and within the branch collar zone. ‘Grand Mosaic’also demonstrates horizontal to weeping-like chimeric branches that areeither green, albino, or chimeric (periclinal, mericlinal, orsectorial).

The exact parentage of Parent Two is unconfirmed; however, during the1976 cross, Parent One was crossed with several nearby standard greenSequoia sempervirens exhibiting characters typical of redwoods grownlocally in Santa Cruz, Calif. Unfortunately, precise records of thecrosses do not elucidate which of the potential green Sequoiasempervirens is the female parent of this invention. Typical of thetrees in this location, Parent Two is an old growth, and slow-growingtree without any variegation or chimeric albino growth. In contrast,‘Grand Mosaic’ grows at a moderate-to-fast rate, and displays a range ofcoloration through the chimeric and non-chimeric variegated growth.

The commercially available Sequoia sempervirens named ‘Aptos blue’demonstrates blue-green foliage and an upright habit with small weepingside branches; whereas, ‘Grand Mosaic’ foliage ranges in color fromgreen, albino, chimeric, and non-chimeric variegated, and has horizontalto drooping branches.

‘Christmas Tree’ (see FIG. 13) is a periclinal chimeric redwood treebred under the direction of the first named inventor. The tree isneither patented nor commercially available. The albinism in thisvariety is expressed differently than ‘Grand Mosaic’ in that ‘ChristmasTree’ is predominantly white on primary branches while the secondarybranches are expressed mostly in the normal green genotype. Also, themeristematic cells of ‘Christmas Tree’ exhibit mostly a white over greenarrangement whereas ‘Grand Mosaic’ cell layers exhibit predominantly agreen over white arrangement in the meristem.

Sibling variety ‘Early Snow’ (patent pending) exhibits similar chimericalbino expressions to ‘Grand Mosaic’ with notable differences. Axillaryand accessory buds forming in the ‘B’ zone (between primary branches) on‘Grand Mosaic’ predominately form from empty leaf axil where with ‘EarlySnow’ a needle is usually present. Also, ‘Grand Mosaic’ exhibits strongapical dominance and long needles; whereas ‘Early Snow’ exhibits weakapical dominance and short to medium length needles.

Sibling variety ‘Mosaic Delight’ exhibits similar chimeric albinoexpressions to ‘Grand Mosaic’ with notable differences. Needles on‘Grand Mosaic’ are lighter green and broader in appearance compared to‘Mosaic Delight’, which has narrow and darker green coloration. ‘GrandMosaic’ exhibits a 2 to 4-year delay in chimeric albino expression ascompared to ‘Mosaic Delight’, where chimeric albinism appearance isdelayed by approximately one year. ‘Grand Mosaic’ exhibits higherchimeric albino growth within the internode region of established greenbranches than in ‘Mosaic Delight’, which primarily expresses chimericalbino growth from the branch collar zone of established branches.‘Grand Mosaic’ exhibits stronger apical dominance compared to ‘MosaicDelight’ which is mostly apically weak in stature.

Table 3 further distinguishes between the invention and its siblings.One clone from each of the siblings propagated in 2012 was measured fortotal height. Then all “B Zone” and “C Zone” secondary branches werecounted on each siblings' main axis. After the count, a ratio of B to CZone was established to determine the percentages of each. Since eachinvention's height varies, the total of each B and C Zones was dividedinto the height of the tree to determine the average height(centimeters) for B and C Zone branches respectively. The data tabulatedbelow illustrates the different growing patterns discovered within B andC Zone secondary branches and was collected the Spring of 2015.

TABLE 3 COMPARISON OF SECONDARY BRANCHES PATTERNS AMONG SIBLINGSSecondary Num- develop- Date ber Percent- B & C ment June 2, Height ofage per cm on after 2015 (cm) Age B & C of B & C main axis primary‘Mosaic 159.4 4 B = 10 B = 22% B = 15.9 cm 1-2 years Delight’ years C =35 C = 78% C = 4.6 cm  (inven- tion sibling) ‘Grand 221.6 4 B = 27 B =66% B = 8.2 cm  2-4 years Mosaic’ years C = 14 C = 34% C = 15.8 cm‘Early  97.2 2 B = 20 B = 51% B = 4.9 cm  1-2 years Snow’ years C = 19 C= 49% C = 5.1 cm 

Table 4 presents a side by side comparison of the sibling varieties fromthe original cross experiments conducted in 1976. The siblings weregrown in the same environmental conditions and exhibit the followingsimilarities and differences.

TABLE 4 COMPREHENSIVE GROWTH PATTERNS COMPARISON AMONG SIBLINGS ‘GrandMosaic’ ‘Mosaic Delight’ Sibling Sibling (present ‘Early Snow’Characteristic (PP26,573) application) (patent pending) Growth rate WeakStrong Strong Apical dominance Weak Strong Weak Albino expression 1-yeardelay 2 to 4-year delay 1 year delay Albino growth in Lower HigherHigher internode Majority of “B” Leaf axils Accessory buds Leaf axilszone buds found and empty leaf axils Needle angle “V” shaped HorizontalConcave down Needle density Open Dense Dense & overlapping Needle lengthMedium Long Short to medium Needle shape: Linear with Linear with Linearwith Linear Acuminate tips Acuminate tips Obtuse, mucronate andacuminate tips Needle color Dark green Light Green Dark green Branchletshape Narrow towards Wide towards a Tapers towards blunt end blunt end ablunt end

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of albino chimeric redwood tree,as illustrated and described herein.